KKR and Goldman eye Six Continents

By

David Rothnie

February 24, 2003 5:00 p.m. GMT

US private-equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) and Goldman Sachs are poised to flex their muscles in the takeover battle for the UK's Six Continents hotels-to-pubs group, according to senior bankers close to the deal.

Following last week's announcement by entrepreneur Hugh Osmond that he is preparing to break up the group and separate its pubs and restaurants business from the rest, ahead of the company's de-merger next month, speculation has been rife that he will sell the hotels business to the highest bidder.